An Orthodox boys’ school in Finchley is to receive a makeover after being awarded funding from Education Secretary Michael Gove as part of a £17 billion improvements scheme.

Pardes House Primary is one of 261 UK schools that will benefit from the Priority School Building Programme. It is estimated that one-in-six of the primary’s strictly Orthodox pupils are eligible for free school meals.

The decision was welcomed by local Tory MP Mike Freer. “I understand the money will be released immediately so work can start as soon as possible,” he said. “The government’s funding helps build on our excellent record in Barnet of upgrading our primary schools.”